The Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG) has appealed to government to intervene in bringing down the cost of production for local beverage producers.

According to the Executive Secretary, Samuel Aggrey, the high cost of production and activities of smuggling could collapse the local industry.

He told JoyBusiness at the 9^th Ghana Beverage Awards in Accra that if government does not intervene, beverage producers may be forced to relocate to other business friendly countries in the West African region.

“Thanks to the Food and Drugs Authority, (FDA) we have been able to identify some of the smuggled products. We need to deal with the issue.  It is critical for government to solve the high cost of production which is negatively impacting industries”, he said.

He cautioned that if the cost of production remains high, businesses will have no option but to move to areas with favourable business environment.

“We cannot be competitive because the cheaper inferior drinks will be thriving in our markets whiles we will be pushed out of our own business. We’re still talking to government and hoping that something is done about it soon, else many of our people will lose their jobs” he pleaded.

Mr. Aggrey called on government to implement stricter policies to prevent the influx of inferior drinks from other countries entering Ghana through unapproved routes.

9th Ghana Beverage Awards

Bel-Cola emerged winner for the product of the year.

The Ghana Beverage Award was organized by the Global Media Alliance to celebrate outstanding beverage brands that excel for the year under review.

Guinness Ghana Breweries limited won two awards -- spirits and liquor brands.

Acting Chief Executive for the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto who was the Guest of Honour  applauded the organizers for the event and urged producers to look beyond the shores of the country in promoting their beverage brands.